One of the longest running local Journals – the Lyreacrompane and District Journal – is now in the bookshops. This is, by far, the biggest Lyre Journal yet, running to 148 packed pages of over 87,000 words and dozens of photos. The main content of the Journal is local history from all parts of North Kerry – including, from Castleisland, Listowel, Abbeyfeale, Ballybunion, Brosna and Knocknagoshel and the hinterland of those places. The increasingly recognised heritage of Lyreacrompane itself is featured.

‘Flagrant Bribery in Castleisland’ is the title of a detailed and humourous article on the nine-day commission of investigation into the 1908 Council Elections in Castleisland. ‘The Story of Brosna’, written by Fr. Michael Gerard Murphy in 1930, is reviewed and abbreviated by Joe Harrington. ‘Duagh through the Years’ recounts local happenings in the Parish since 1853. The Scartaglin Murders just after the Civil War are well researched and, along other incidents in Listowel down the years, the huge turnout there in 1869 in support of the Fenian prisoners is detailed. A couple of moonlighting stories from Knocknagoshel are included and the transportation to Van Dieman’s Land of the Drurys from Dysert on the banks of the Feale is researched.

Kay O’Leary contributes a fascinating series of short articles and snippets from local history under the headings of ‘Odds and Ends’ and ‘Things I came across when I was looking for other things’. Kay also reveals the names of 55 of the members of the RIC who served in the RIC Barracks in Lyreacrompane between 1881 and 1920.

Denis Lenihan, Chicago, recalls his days in Castleisland and the Vietnam war. Neil Brosnan, Listowel, recalls his younger days on the boglands of Dromaddamore. John Stack, Moynsha and Kildare, tells the story of the Ellis family of Abbeyfeale. Audrey McEnery, New York, connects with her roots in Lyreacrompane. The late Esther Ahern Lyreacrompane supplied a lovely short story. Shane Harrington, New York, contrasts his childhood trips to Lyre and to England with the Irish Rambling House, with a recent coast to coast tour of the USA with his band. Nora Scanlon, living in Waterford, recalls her younger days in Duagh. Marie Buckley Howard Canada recounts her early life in Banemore, and a Christmas story by retired Garda Tim Doyle Beaufort and Dublin will bring a tear to the eye.

Our thanks to local camera woman, Patricia Lenihan, for many of the photos in this issue. If you feel that you have got a story that you’d like to share for our next journal now is the time to talk to us about it.

The Lyreacrompane and District Journal, a lovely Christmas present for the exiles, is now available at all the usual outlets or direct from Joe Harrington, Lyreacrompane, Listowel Ph 087 285 3570.